His in A Sentence

    1

    A chair scraped next to her and Alex swore softly under his breath.

    2

    A few minutes later his deep voice drifted back down the hall as he discussed something with her.

    3

    A man takes ownership of his deeds and acts responsibly.

    4

    A slow smile spread over his mouth and spilled into his eyes.

    5

    A slow smile worked its way across his face and into his eyes.

    6

    A tall young man tapped his shoulder and Alex surrendered her to the second dance of the evening.

    7

    A touch of humor came into his eyes.

    8

    A wry smile briefly touched his lips.

    9

    After a mind boggling search through more investment files, she found his savings account.

    10

    After all, he knew Katie too, but they only wanted the people he knew before he met his wife - excluding his sister.

    11

    Again she leaned back so she could see his face.

    12

    Alex asked sharply, his brows drawing down.

    13

    Alex continued to be preoccupied with his problem - whatever it was.

    14

    Alex decided to build a room upstairs for his office, out of the reach of Destiny's exploring hands.

    15

    Alex divided his attention between a very attentive Destiny and a reserved Carmen.

    16

    Alex finally glanced at Señor Medena, who shook his head.

    17

    Alex gently turned her around and took her into his arms.

    18

    Alex glanced at Carmen, his eyes twinkling.

    19

    Alex had always taken care of his family, but was it irresponsible to assume he always would?

    20

    Alex had been the one who helped her see them as true family, and yet he was having issues accepting his own father.

    21

    Alex had his professional expression on, but Dulce was pouting.

    22

    Alex had raced to her rescue because he knew she was too naïve to realize what his father was doing.

    23

    Alex hesitantly put an arm around her waist, relaxing when she caressed his hand.

    24

    Alex is a lot like his father in some ways.

    25

    Alex leaned forward and placed his hands, fists down, on the desk.

    26

    Alex looked stern, and when Carmen met his gaze, he looked down at his plate.

    27

    Alex looked surprised for a moment and then his lips clamped together firmly.

    28

    Alex placed his hands on her shoulders, gently pushing her back.

    29

    Alex pulled her too him, his lips seeking hers hungrily.

    30

    Alex retrieved her from Felipa and shifted her so that she sat on his arm, one of her arms around his neck.

    31

    Alex rolled his eyes and made a face.

    32

    Alex said nothing, his stoic features giving no suggestion of what was on his mind.

    33

    Alex said she was seeing him again after his wife died.

    34

    Alex seemed to be more comfortable around Morino than he was around his father's family.

    35

    Alex shifted his attention to Carmen, his gaze covering her from toe to head.

    36

    Alex spoke from behind her, his tone less than friendly.

    37

    Alex stood and squeezed his shoulder as they turned toward the door.

    38

    Alex thinks someone spiked his punch.

    39

    Alex was cordial to his father and formal to his sister.

    40

    Alex was going to college when his parents died in the plane crash.

    41

    Alex was gone four days and was as solemn on his return as he was when he left.

    42

    Alex was looking down at her, his expression unreadable.

    43

    Alex was watching her, his expression unreadable.

    44

    Alex wore a light blue sweater that accentuated his dark complexion and Jonathan was dressed likewise.

    45

    Alfonso put down his toy and looked uncertain.

    46

    All right, so he wasn't trying to hide his wealth, but he certainly did try to hide his family.

    47

    All that time and he was unable to solve his financial problem.

    48

    All the humor vanished from his eyes as he watched her.

    49

    Amusement twinkled in his eyes and played with the corners of his mouth.

    50

    And he's going to take you to his room after the dance.

    51

    And now she was even resenting Alex for telling his father.

    52

    And that that same technology would allow his questions to be spread across Europe, thereby igniting the Protestant Reformation?

    53

    Apparently he found what he was looking for, because a smile touched the corners of his mouth and his eyes warmed.

    54

    Apparently his greatest concern was the fact that his mother was married to his adoptive father at the time he was conceived.

    55

    Apparently Señor Medena and his daughters had lived here all their lives.

    56

    Are you blaming a little boy for what his mother did?

    57

    As a matter of fact, he hadn't said that since he spent half the night with his old flame.

    58

    As he rode into the yard, his expression made it clear that he didn't come to see the house.

    59

    As his fingers laced through hers, she opened her eyes and found Alex watching her.

    60

    As his fingers traced a warm tingly path to the back of her dress, hers traced his lips.

    61

    As they continued toward the house, he cleared his throat.

    62

    At her words, his gaze ripped from her breasts and pounced on her face.

    63

    At his nod, she leaned back in her seat.

    64

    Beside his problems, hers seemed trivial.

    65

    Besides, I've spent enough of his money on it already.

    66

    But then, Alex hadn't mentioned his family to her, either.

    67

    But then, he had made it clear from the start that he didn't want any of them in his life.

    68

    By the expression on his face, he wasn't exactly enjoying the conversation.

    69

    Carmen avoided his hands, turning to the closet.

    70

    Carmen followed his gaze.

    71

    Carmen gazed up at his somber features.

    72

    Carmen glanced at Señor Medena, who was beaming as if they were his children... or as if they were his biological grandchildren.

    73

    Carmen jerked her arms from his neck and sat up.

    74

    Carmen leaned back in his arms and smiled up at him.

    75

    Carmen let loose of his waist, moving away from the unclean thought.

    76

    Carmen lifted her chin and studied his face.

    77

    Carmen looked up at his face and found it as stern as his voice.

    78

    Carmen met his gaze for a moment - long enough to reunite, and then they both turned back to the others.

    79

    Carmen met his mocking gaze.

    80

    Carmen shoved a wide-eyed Destiny into his arms and turned to follow Dulce.

    81

    Carmen smiled, basking in the warmth of his attention.

    82

    Carmen stared at him, trying to follow his runaway thought train.

    83

    Clicking from one spreadsheet to another, she was shocked at the extent of his investments.

    84

    Color crawled up his neck and his gaze shifted to the coffee mug.

    85

    Color stained his neck and spewed up into his face.

    86

    Considering her own feelings about Alex, and the fact that he was a lot like his father, it wasn't hard to imagine that his mother never got over Señor Medena.

    87

    Dad was an only child and his Mother died in her twenties.

    88

    Dorothy thought he just wiggled one of his drooping ears, but that was all.

    89

    Dulce was beautiful, but she would forever be trying to run his life.

    90

    Dulce was certain that he would return to his roots eventually.

    91

    Even as tired as she was, his arms were a welcome haven.

    92

    Felipa definitely needed his help with chartering the helicopter, but he could have done that from Houston.

    93

    Finally he came back to the house and put his gun up.

    94

    Finally he leaned forward and stood, rubbing the back of his neck.

    95

    Finally he looked down at his lap and let out a long weary sigh.

    96

    Finally he sat up, a glint of humor in his eyes.

    97

    Finally he turned to her, his voice controlled.

    98

    Finally his brows lifted briefly.

    99

    Finally his gaze found Carmen as they walked toward the car.

    100

    Finally his head turned slowly, as if feeling her intense gaze.

    101

    Finally she pushed away from his embrace.

    102

    Finally she spotted him talking to his father.

    103

    Focusing on his profile, she willed him to look her way.

    104

    For a moment he merely stared at her, his expression unreadable.

    105

    For once his expression was readable.

    106

    From his square-toed boots to the white shirt tucked into indigo jeans, his lean frame was something to admire.

    107

    From there the horse dashed in and out of the poles and came to a stop on his haunches.

    108

    Glancing in the mirror, he straightened his jacket and tucked the tie back down into his vest.

    109

    Had he married her to escape his family?

    110

    Had they argued that much at his father's house?

    111

    He bent his head and brushed her lips lightly with his own.

    112

    He cleared his throat again.

    113

    He commented the other day that I was spending his money.

    114

    He crawled onto the bed and lay down beside her, his expression becoming sober.

    115

    He danced with you that often and didn't tell you his name?

    116

    He didn't bring it up again - not even when Jonathan was unable to get his short arm into a comfortable position to play the guitar.

    117

    He didn't need any preconceived ideas about his little brother or sister.

    118

    He didn't want to go and he had made no effort to get along with his father.

    119

    He felt that his words, apart from what meaning they conveyed, were less audible than the sound of his opponent's voice.

    120

    He flinched visibly as if she had slapped him, his fingers tightening on her arm.

    121

    He glanced up and smiled when she came in, his gaze drifting from her to the door.

    122

    He grinned, the dimple playing below one of his twinkling eyes.

    123

    He had a lot on his plate right now... the twins, his father and who knew what else?

    124

    He had access to his part much earlier than I did, so he was able to make some investments that really paid off.

    125

    He had never mentioned what Christmas had been like at his home.

    126

    He had started the clinic shortly after they were married, so his dream was barely being realized.

    127

    He had tried his best to push them out of it.

    128

    He hadn't said anything to his father.

    129

    He held a hand up to her and then guided her down to his lap.

    130

    He hesitated, his gaze becoming intense.

    131

    He laughed at that, and his laugh was merry and frank.

    132

    He lay down on his back and pulled the covers up.

    133

    He leaned his head back and smiled up at her.

    134

    He leaped from his horse.

    135

    He lifted Destiny so her head lay on his shoulder.

    136

    He lifted his hand and displayed a doll to Destiny.

    137

    He looked even more distinguished than usual in his Spanish garb.

    138

    He looked to be about her age and his blond hair was neatly combed into a fashionable style.

    139

    He loved the animals, his home and the clinic.

    140

    He made a face and stopped his horse.

    141

    He merely wanted to establish his authority, so the others would follow his lead.

    142

    He motioned to his lap.

    143

    He nodded and then shifted his attention back to Dulce.

    144

    He nodded, his expression drifting to uncertain.

    145

    He nodded, his gaze drifting off in contemplation.

    146

    He nodded, his pale eyes darkening enough to twinkle.

    147

    He picked at a thread on the couch, his mind obviously lost in deep thought.

    148

    He picked up the newspaper and settled into his chair while she checked on Destiny.

    149

    He probably didn't realize that his hostility toward Señor Medena was being transferred to Jonathan as anxiety.

    150

    He pulled her into his arms.

    151

    He pulled the shirt tails out of his pants and shucked it.

    152

    He ran a hand through his hair.

    153

    He reached down and took her hands, pulling her into his arms.

    154

    He released her, his tone injured.

    155

    He rolled to face her, his other hand seeking her waist and drawing her close.

    156

    He said I could spend his money with a clear conscience.

    157

    He sat down on the edge of the bed, staring at his feet... and then keeled over on the bed.

    158

    He shrugged into one arm of his pajamas.

    159

    He slid an arm under her and gently took her hand in his, planting a warm moist kiss in the center of the palm.

    160

    He slowly lowered his head, and when his lips touched hers, they were warm and firm.

    161

    He sobered, his face coloring.

    162

    He stopped thinking about the past and his gaze seemed to come to the present.

    163

    He turned and walked away, his head nearly a foot above the others.

    164

    He turned his head and kissed her on the mouth.

    165

    He turned, pausing with the cup of coffee half way to his lips.

    166

    He wants one of his own.

    167

    He was amazingly good, his fingers plucking the strings with quick nimble strokes.

    168

    He was dressed in his usual indigo jeans and western shirt.

    169

    He was growing up and she needed to keep that in mind - and some things off his mind.

    170

    He was making noises like his father was the one he didn't trust, but it wasn't that simple.

    171

    He was practically beating his chest.

    172

    He was up on one elbow, his attention fixed on her open blouse.

    173

    He was watching her, a wry smile on his face and an amused twinkle in his eyes.

    174

    He wasn't even being recognized for his abilities.

    175

    He wasn't opposed to having it, but he insisted on sharing it in fair business - and with his wife, more or less.

    176

    He watched her while she wiped her hands, his expression unreadable.

    177

    He worked quietly for a few minutes and then finally turned his attention to Carmen.

    178

    He would not have to pay stranger to have his baby.

    179

    He's a lot like his father - in a LOT of ways, but don't tell him that.

    180

    He's living his dream.

    181

    He's very protective of his family.

    182

    Her gaze left his face as she considered the idea.

    183

    Her smile was wry as she gazed up at his face.

    184

    Her step was too long, making contact with his foot.

    185

    Her stomach contracted at his tone and the look on his face.

    186

    Her wandering gaze came up to his face and warmth shot painfully up her neck.

    187

    His attention shifted to Destiny, who was still sleeping.

    188

    His attention was focused on two riders approaching.

    189

    His attitude toward her did an about face so obvious that even Jonathan noticed.

    190

    His bittersweet chocolate gaze wandered over her face in search of something, or maybe he was digesting the information.

    191

    His breath smelled of liquor.

    192

    His brows drew together.

    193

    His brows lifted and his chuckle was deep and warm.

    194

    His brows shot up.

    195

    His concerned gaze ran over her face.

    196

    His condescending tone was as annoying as the words.

    197

    His excuse for going to Columbia had been that they needed money.

    198

    His expression was a blend of question and concern.

    199

    His expression was reflective as he continued to regard her.

    200

    His eyes flashed humor that obediently avoided his lips.

    201

    His eyes mocked her.

    202

    His eyes twinkled with humor and the dimple appeared.

    203

    His eyes twinkled with humor.

    204

    His face looked pale and he rode with an alien stiffness.

    205

    His face was flushed and his eyes were bright.

    206

    His father died shortly after Alex was born, so I never met either of them.

    207

    His father was never able to get custody of him as a child.

    208

    His fingers closed around her arm and he firmly pulled her back.

    209

    His fingers pressed gently, guiding her closer.

    210

    His fingers touched her chin and slid down her throat, exploring their way down to her bodice.

    211

    His fingers unwrapped from her wrists and his warm palms caressed hers.

    212

    His focus came back on her.

    213

    His gaze became guarded.

    214

    His gaze became wary and he spoke softly.

    215

    His gaze came back to her, reflective.

    216

    His gaze dropped to her face and wandered over it.

    217

    His gaze dropped to her waist and an eyebrow shot up.

    218

    His gaze flitted to Carmen as they passed.

    219

    His gaze focused back on her.

    220

    His gaze lifted innocently to Carmen.

    221

    His gaze ran over her face searching - maybe surprised that she spoke her mind.

    222

    His gaze searched hers.

    223

    His gaze shifted reflectively to nothing in particular.

    224

    His gaze shifted to her as she sat down, and he smiled.

    225

    His gaze shifted to include Carmen.

    226

    His gaze sought Carmen and the sides of his mouth turned up in a warm smile.

    227

    His gaze traveled over her as she climbed out of her jeans.

    228

    His gaze traveled over her face and then found her eyes.

    229

    His gaze traveled over her face expressionlessly as they danced away from the spot.

    230

    His gaze wandered away in reflective thought.

    231

    His gaze wandered over her face in that familiar way.

    232

    His gaze wandered over her face, coming back to her eyes.

    233

    His gaze was clearly focused on her half exposed breasts.

    234

    His gaze was reflective.

    235

    His gazed followed the coffee cup absently as he placed it on the table.

    236

    His grin was infectious.

    237

    His hand dropped to her shoulder and he squeezed it.

    238

    His hand gently pressed on her waist, drawing her closer as he leaned down.

    239

    His hand squeezed her waist.

    240

    His hand tightened on her waist.

    241

    His hands gripped her waist, drawing her close.

    242

    His head snapped up and he eyed her suspiciously.

    243

    His jaw tightened and his eyes flashed a warning.

    244

    His laugh was low, and she could imagine his mocking expression.

    245

    His laugh was short and humorless.

    246

    His laugh was sudden and short, engaging the dimple.

    247

    His lips covered hers in a long warm kiss that left her short of breath.

    248

    His lips held a faint smile and his eyes twinkled.

    249

    His mother must have been secretive as well.

    250

    His mouth twisted into a wry smile.

    251

    His movements were deliberate as he walked toward her - as if he were measuring every word he was about to say.

    252

    His name is Eduardo, and he is my cousin.

    253

    His red shock of hair stood up like a flame as he glared down at her.

    254

    His response was a warm smile.

    255

    His shrug and tone were nonchalant.

    256

    His smile was relieved.

    257

    His smile was strained.

    258

    His solemn gaze met hers.

    259

    His solemn gaze roved over her face.

    260

    His solemn gaze searched hers for a moment before he spoke.

    261

    His tail was short and scraggly, and his harness had been broken in many places and fastened together again with cords and bits of wire.

    262

    His tone was conversational.

    263

    His tone was terse.

    264

    His voice sounded terrible.

    265

    His voice was husky.

    266

    His voice was soft.

    267

    His warm fingers released her shoulders and traced their way up her neck, cupping her jaws in his hands.

    268

    His warm hand on her waist was reassuring.

    269

    His warm lips brushed her forehead.

    270

    His warm lips kissed their way down her neck and across her shoulder.

    271

    His words were comforting, even if they didn't resolve her concerns.

    272

    Hopefully, this was his one and only session with drinking too much.

    273

    How many times had people commented on his wealth?

    274

    I can talk, Alex said, his voice still firm but gentle.

    275

    I didn't ask about his family tree.

    276

    I have his name, but he is not my father.

    277

    I imagine that took a chunk out of his savings.

    278

    I just wonder what his angle is.

    279

    I saw his picture on your refrigerator.

    280

    I simply want to follow his lead.

    281

    I think Alex makes a concentrated effort to drive his father crazy.

    282

    I told you, he told you... as you said, he even offered to let you look at his files.

    283

    I was thinking about buying a new vehicle and wondered if we had the money, so I looked at his financial information on the computer.

    284

    I work for Uncle Bill on his ranch, and he pays me six dollars a month and my board.

    285

    If Alex forgave his father, would he want to return to that lifestyle?

    286

    If he wants to keep this estate in the family, he'll have to leave it to his daughters.

    287

    If his family had lived in the United States for centuries, why didn't they learn to speak proper English?

    288

    If his family wanted him to come back, they would have to get rid of his current responsibilities.

    289

    If his tone was any indication, he wanted more.

    290

    If Katie hadn't disclosed that incident to her before she met Alex, would he have revealed that facet of his past?

    291

    If that Alex returned to his roots, there was no reason she couldn't be at his side.

    292

    If they were truly soul mates, she should be in his corner all the way.

    293

    If you mention his name to Alex, you'll find out why she feels that way.

    294

    Immediately his gaze riveted on hers, searching for every emotion.

    295

    In any case, Alex hadn't actually concealed his financial status.

    296

    In other words, when he shook himself free of his current family, he would come to Dulce.

    297

    In that moment she was certain she saw something in his eyes - something akin to remorse.

    298

    In the darkness, Alex found her and pulled her into his arms.

    299

    Instead, he assisted her, his lips seeking hers urgently all the while.

    300

    Instead, he drew a leathern case from his pocket and took from it several sharp knives, which he joined together, one after another, until they made a long sword.

    301

    It didn't take long for him to get home, and when he came in from the garage, he went directly to his gun cabinet and took out a rifle.

    302

    It is his money.

    303

    It is not for me to say how he spends his money.

    304

    It looked as stiff and formal as his hacienda did.

    305

    It served him right after his display yesterday.

    306

    It was all about money - his money.

    307

    It was hard to say whether Alex was withholding facts so she couldn't contest his decisions or simply because he thought she did not need to know.

    308

    It was impossible to know what was going on in Señor Medena's mind by observing his expression.

    309

    It was in his nature, and it was something that wasn't going to change.

    310

    It was much easier to sleep with his protective arm around her waist.

    311

    It was possible that his father had given up on him.

    312

    It wasn't as if he had to be there every living minute of his life.

    313

    It will be different this time, he said, cuddling her against his chest as if she were a child.

    314

    Jonathan asked, his eyes large.

    315

    Jonathan glanced up at Alex, who met his gaze sternly.

    316

    Jonathan shook his head.

    317

    Jonathan was in his room watching television.

    318

    Jonathan was sitting on his bed, watching TV in his pajamas.

    319

    Jonathan was watching them, his mouth hanging open.

    320

    Kicking his foot free of the stirrup, he offered her a hand, never taking his eyes off Señor Medena.

    321

    Kissing his chin, she worked her way around to his cheek.

    322

    Later as she lay awake beside him, listening to the sound of his breathing, it occurred to her that they had fallen into the pattern of making up by making love.

    323

    Like Alex, it was impossible to guess what was going on in his mind by the expression on his face.

    324

    Lowering his head, his lips touched hers.

    325

    Maybe Alex wanted to be in control because he had been dominated all his life.

    326

    Maybe he meant he was sick of all the bickering with his family.

    327

    Maybe he was thinking about what his father would say or do when he came in.

    328

    Maybe his father favored boys.

    329

    Maybe it had something to do with his investments.

    330

    Maybe it was anger that prompted him to make the remark about her spending his money, but he never apologized about it specifically.

    331

    Maybe that was why his response lacked the usual mocking humor.

    332

    Maybe there was another reason he decided to reclaim his money.

    333

    Maybe they had inherited or learned it from their mother, not his father.

    334

    Now he was exerting his authority in another way.

    335

    Now his father was putting a damper on it with his all consuming, self-serving plots.

    336

    Nurturing was in his personality.

    337

    Of course, Alex didn't have any gray hair yet, and his lips were fuller - more defined.

    338

    On the other hand, Alex needed to be in a position where he was forced to actually talk to his father.

    339

    On the other hand, how could Alex be a positive influence if his Uncle truly felt that way?

    340

    Once again he lowered his head, but this time his lips lingered on hers, searching for a response.

    341

    One glance at the picture and his neck turned red.

    342

    One of the most appealing things about Alex was his confidence.

    343

    Only his idea of tempting her with a fine house hadn't worked.

    344

    Only his profile existed in her quest.

    345

    Other than the one time he had lost his temper with her, she had never known him to be anything but gentle.

    346

    Part of it was simply his nature - and that part was sweet and selfless.

    347

    Partly because of the way he worded things, but mostly because he tried to mask his emotions - like Alex.

    348

    Pierre pushed his way into the middle of the group, listened, and convinced himself that the man was indeed a liberal, but of views quite different from his own.

    349

    Pierre wished to say that he was ready to sacrifice his money, his serfs, or himself, only one ought to know the state of affairs in order to be able to improve it, but he was unable to speak.

    350

    Planting kisses on the corner of his mouth, she whispered.

    351

    Pulling Alex's pillow from the bed, Carmen caught the faint whiff of his cologne.

    352

    Pulling gloves and a bag from his pocket, he proceeded to collect the grisly specimen.

    353

    Reaching up, she turned off the light and then moved close to him, unbuttoning his shirt.

    354

    Removing his hands from the wall, he placed them on her shoulders, pulling her closer.

    355

    Rinsing the razor, he laid it aside and wiped his face with the towel.

    356

    Señor Medena asked Carmen and Alex to come to his office with him.

    357

    Señor Medena asked, his voice crisp.

    358

    Señor Medena folded his hands under his chin and studied Alex thoughtfully.

    359

    Señor Medena leaned back in his chair, his attention lost in thought.

    360

    Señor Medena leaned back in his chair, watching Alex.

    361

    Señor Medena put his fork down and folded his hands.

    362

    Señor Medena sat at the head of the long dining table, his three daughters on his left.

    363

    Señor Medena shook his head and continued toward the car.

    364

    Señor Medena shrugged into his coat.

    365

    Señor Medena turned his attention to Alfonso.

    366

    Señor Medena was watching Alex thoughtfully, but Alex seemed to be unaware of his attention.

    367

    Señor Medena watched her leave, his expression reflective.

    368

    She clamped her arms around his waist again.

    369

    She cuddled close to him and lifted her face for his affection.

    370

    She dropped the picture in his lap and watched his reaction.

    371

    She eagerly slid into his embrace and welcomed the warm lips that sought hers.

    372

    She escorted him to wash his hands, talking all the while.

    373

    She felt for his hand and knew an instant warm rush when she found it.

    374

    She gazed up into his smooth features.

    375

    She glanced up at his face.

    376

    She gripped his waist as he turned the horse around and headed back toward the hacienda.

    377

    She had assumed Alex was, but... she needed to look at his files.

    378

    She had probably resurrected his memory of how Lori had tried to break them up.

    379

    She hesitated as his troubled gaze ran over her face.

    380

    She hugged him and kissed his temple.

    381

    She hugged him, laying her head on his chest.

    382

    She leaned back against his arm, watching his profile as he looked out the window.

    383

    She leaned back and looked up at his face.

    384

    She leaned back in his arms.

    385

    She left him there to think about his actions - only he would probably stew on hers instead.

    386

    She lifted a hand and caressed his cheek.

    387

    She lifted her head and gazed up into his eyes.

    388

    She lifted her head and looked into his eyes.

    389

    She looked up at his intent features.

    390

    She melted in his embrace, returning his hungry kiss.

    391

    She melted into his arms, eagerly returning his warm kisses and welcoming the feel of his fingers as they searched for the zipper on the back of her dress.

    392

    She met his gaze and nodded.

    393

    She met his gaze defiantly for a moment longer, but he made no attempt to argue.

    394

    She met his searching gaze.

    395

    She met his steady gaze.

    396

    She methodically placed the children's magazine on the table beside the chair, avoiding his gaze.

    397

    She opened her eyes to find his concerned face over her.

    398

    She paused while he sipped his coffee.

    399

    She pulled the covers up to her chin and met his gaze solemnly.

    400

    She reached out and brushed dirt from his shoulder without commenting.

    401

    She reached out and took the picture from his hand.

    402

    She reached up and stroked his cheek.

    403

    She relaxed in his arms, comfortable in surrendering to his lead.

    404

    She removed his Tux and shoes, rolling him around the bed in the process.

    405

    She rested one hand on his upper arm and surrendered her other to a hand that engulfed hers.

    406

    She rolled over to face him, sliding eagerly into his embrace.

    407

    She searched his face for some indication of comprehension, eventually finding it only in his voice.

    408

    She settled into his lap, welcoming the hands that encircled her waist.

    409

    She sighed and snuggled against him, feeling the beat of his heart... or was that her own?

    410

    She sighed, leaning back and gazing into his eyes.

    411

    She slipped eagerly into his arms and their lips met hungrily.

    412

    She smiled, stroking his arm with her hand.

    413

    She snickered at the unintentional pun and Alex frowned, his gaze an unspoken question.

    414

    She stared up at his face, but he ignored her.

    415

    She stopped and gazed up at his face.

    416

    She stopped, her cool gaze meeting his.

    417

    She took out some of his and hers so he wouldn't think she was packing to leave him.

    418

    She tossed the picture in his lap again and made a face.

    419

    She twisted her arm from his grip.

    420

    She walked behind his chair, leaning over it and putting her arms around him.

    421

    She watched him wash his hands.

    422

    Since everyone knew the way to a man's heart was through his stomach, she started with a special meal.

    423

    Since his current office was directly across from their bedroom, it seemed a better place for babies that Alex said could be born early.

    424

    Sliding her arms around his neck, she pressed against him.

    425

    Slipping her hand through his extended elbow, she let him lead her into the center of the room.

    426

    Slowly she turned and met his intent gaze.

    427

    Snuggling close, she lifted her face to accept his kiss.

    428

    So I say the horses and chickens are mine and Alex says the other animals are his.

    429

    Something about his voice quickened her pulse.

    430

    Still, hiding from them wasn't going to solve anything - especially for his sisters.

    431

    Taking her hand in his, he swept her gracefully into dance.

    432

    Taking her in his arms, he held her close for a moment and then planted a kiss on her forehead.

    433

    That pleased smile was on his lips again and his eyes held a glint of humor.

    434

    That she doubted, but his tone was confident.

    435

    That sweet chocolate gaze softened and a smile touched the corners of his mouth.

    436

    The aroma of cologne surrounded him and his breath smelled like he had recently brushed his teeth.

    437

    The belt buckle that deflected the knife from his heart was now irritating the scar.

    438

    The boy flicked the big, boney horse with his whip and looked thoughtful.

    439

    The boy who sat beside him was his son.

    440

    The feel of his warm fingers on her temple was comforting.

    441

    The humor in her eyes summoned the dimple under his eye and lifted his brows.

    442

    The man with the star regarded her with his calm, expressionless eyes.

    443

    The man, or boy, couldn't have been more than twenty, yet his steps were as sure as the hands that whirled her around the room.

    444

    The muscles on his chest and arms were not well defined.

    445

    The nobleman smote his breast.

    446

    The prince bowed to signify his respect and gratitude.

    447

    The problem wasn't Dulce or his father.

    448

    The smile came slowly, warming his eyes - touching them with humor.

    449

    The smile faded and his expression became ardent.

    450

    The smile faded from his lips and he motioned for Jonathan to join him.

    451

    The smile returned to his lips.

    452

    The smile warmed his eyes.

    453

    The sparkle faded from his eyes, leaving them soft sweet chocolate pools.

    454

    The twinkle came back into his eyes.

    455

    The vicomte told his tale very neatly.

    456

    The white athletic undershirt contrasted attractively with his bronzed skin.

    457

    Then a little man jumped out of the basket, took off his tall hat, and bowed very gracefully to the crowd of Mangaboos around him.

    458

    Then again, maybe he was still defending his fight for Alex.

    459

    Then he turned away and rubbed the back of his neck in that way he did when he knew he was wrong but wasn't sure why.

    460

    Then he turned back to his father, who was watching him with interest.

    461

    Then she unbuttoned the first few buttons on his shirt and slipped her arms around his neck.

    462

    Then they caressed their way up her side, his thumb sliding under her bra and gently up the curve of her breast.

    463

    There was even a thorn upon the tip of his nose and he looked so funny that Dorothy laughed when she saw him.

    464

    There was no reason Alex shouldn't tell his father.

    465

    There was no reason for him to think his father might be romantically interested in her.

    466

    They moved around the room; her head on his shoulder, her hand in his.

    467

    To be fair, his father hadn't made things any better by offering money to Alex and not his sister.

    468

    To him, it was no different than artificially inseminating a cow at his clinic... well, the concept wasn't.

    469

    Tonight he divided his attention between the knife and her face - no doubt waiting for her to broach the subject.

    470

    Turning toward him, she melted into his warm embrace.

    471

    Unbuckling his belt, he pulled his shirt up and examined the knife scar on his abdomen.

    472

    Using the path he had given her, she found his financial folder.

    473

    Was he actually avoiding conversation with his father?

    474

    We all knew about his family, but the way he acted, it was as if he wanted to hide them from us.

    475

    What would be different this time was the fact that he couldn't deny the babies were his - that and the fact that this time she had no uterus to lose.

    476

    Whatever his problem, she needed to get involved.

    477

    Whatever the problem was, it remained in his mind alone.

    478

    When Alex came home Destiny crawled into his lap.

    479

    When Alex came home that evening, Jonathan was in his room painting and Destiny was topping off her nap.

    480

    When he answered, his voice was gravely.

    481

    When he gazed into her eyes, his voice was deep and warm.

    482

    When Señor Medena introduced the girl as his daughter, Carmen caught her breath and looked at Alex for an explanation.

    483

    When she glanced up at him, even his smile was reassuring.

    484

    When she looked up at him, his gaze roved over her face.

    485

    When she pulled back, his dark chocolate gaze turned sultry, quickening her pulse.

    486

    When she re-entered the bedroom, he was propped up on a pillow, his eyes closed and the blankets tucked around his neck.

    487

    When they spotted his truck, Destiny squealed.

    488

    Whether he meant that his feelings for her were the same was unclear.

    489

    While her romance session failed to reveal his problem, it did wonders for her confidence.

    490

    Who would have thought he would become attached to a child that was neither his own blood nor male?

    491

    Why did he hide the fact that his first love would be here tonight?

    492

    Why hadn't she thought of his comment in that context?

    493

    Why should they eat their sixty acres, when man is condemned to eat only his peck of dirt?

    494

    With a heavy heart, she called his number.

    495

    With his head bent, and his big feet spread apart, he began explaining his reasons for thinking the abbe's plan chimerical.

    496

    Without a doubt, the fact that the babies were healthy had major influence on his mood.

    497

    Without a word, she slipped into his arms and fell into the rhythm of his step.

    498

    Would you like to read his speech?

    499

    Wrapping his arms around her, he sighed deeply.

    500

    You want his money.